With cases of COVID-19 on the rise in the state of Texas, and Halloween just around the corner, Governor Greg Abbott recently signed an executive order requiring the wearing of masks in public.

Throughout much of your working life, you contribute to your 401(k), IRA and other investment accounts to help ensure a comfortable retirement.

However, once you do retire, you’ll need to shift your focus somewhat from building these investments to using them – in other words, you’ll have to start withdrawing from your portfolio to meet the costs of living. How can you be sure you’re not taking out so much that you risk outliving your resources?

Modern understandings of freedom are grounded in the idea of the absolute autonomy of the individual.

Each month, representatives from Kilgore Improvement and Beautification Association review properties across the city and choose the best examples of landscaping, yard decoration and presentation.

Kilgoreites came out in crowds Saturday, July 4, to mark the celebration of our nation’s independence. While caution was in place and most wore masks, they gathered at Kilgore’s city park, on downtown benches and sidewalks, in parking lots, pickup truck beds and air-conditioned vehicles to w…

DEAR DR. ROACH: Is prediabetes reversible, and if not, is it permissible to eat sweets and starches in moderation if you have it? -- C.W.

Over the past few months, just about everyone has felt the loss of some type of freedom, whether it’s being able to travel, engage in social gatherings or participate in other activities we previously took for granted.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a problem called "shy bladder," which has put me in a legal predicament. I was pulled over for speeding (which I was). After passing a breathalyzer twice, I was taken to the police station to give a urine sample. I was unable to do so.

Not surprising to East Texans, the month of July arrived with a heat wave, earmarking the fact it was definitely summer.

“Travel is a gift you bring home,” says Peter Egan

Egan is a gifted writer, not at all what you'd expect from a guy who writes for a motorcycle magazine. More than a motorcycle writer, he's an essayist who includes motorcycles in his essays.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm 69 years old. I take no medications, and I'm in very good health. Fifteen years ago, I had a hip replacement and now it is starting to squeak when I walk.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a suggestion for the lady who complained of heart palpitations without any apparent underlying causes.

There’s certainly been plenty of volatility and uncertainty the past few months, but one aspect of your financial picture has probably remained stable: your need for insurance.

One can feel the presence of HIS love within the walls and upon the grounds of Pirtle United Methodist Church.

Many things can be self-taught.

I’ve known people who taught themselves how to sow sweaters. When I was a theological student, I met a woman who taught herself how to read biblical Greek in a matter of a few weeks. My wife’s uncle was a successful investment firm manager by day, but self-taught wood worker by night. He got so good at woodworking that if you walk into a brewpub in Milwaukee today, you will likely sit at a table that he made.

Recently, I visited my local gym for the first time after snacking-in-place for over two months.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am going to be 98 in July. A few months ago, I had a bad cough for weeks. My internist gave me guaifenesin with codeine.

The latest controversial removals of secular historical monuments and memorials have me thinking about reminders of history in the Bible, where physical tokens were intended to remind God’s people both of what were arguably bad events and of what were arguably good events.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82-year-old female. I started to have mild low-back pain a year ago, and it escalated to sciatica in my left leg and finally culminated in a pain crisis requiring hospitalization.

Typically, this time of year is filled with graduation ceremonies and celebrations. But with the coronavirus pandemic, not much has been typical lately. Eventually, though, things will return to normal and schools will reopen for in-person learning. And if you have young children, you may want to save for their higher education, whether that be college or trade school.